If you plan on buying a used setup...

[MSOEME2009]

I purchased a used setup from someone getting out of the hobby. It was a great way for me to get into it myself. However, if you're going to purchase a used setup, make sure you have done your homework. There are great deals to be had, and there are ones where you should clearly stay away, stay far away. Here's a picture of someone selling their "complete" setup with live rock. I won't say what's wrong with it, I'll ask the class. If you can't identify what's wrong with this picture, you should do more research on the forums.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I purchased a used setup from someone getting out of the hobby. It was a great way for me to get into it myself. However, if you're going to purchase a used setup, make sure you have done your homework. There are great deals to be had, and there are ones where you should clearly stay away, stay far away. Here's a picture of someone selling their "complete" setup with live rock. I won't say what's wrong with it, I'll ask the class. If you can't identify what's wrong with this picture, you should do more research on the forums.

To many aptasia in one spot,they should be spread out more so they don't fight with eachother ;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious

 

[BellaCoop]

The aptasia is going to be fighting each other and most likely kill the surrounding life.

 

[hoppy]

Lol,
That’s a deal- look at all the “corals” it comes with!

 

[Jesterrace]

Nothing a Peppermint shrimp couldn't fix. Or a small butterflyfish

 

[Fourstars]

For the right price I'd buy it. Clean up the frags and move to my DT. The live rock would go into a Trash Can with half a dozen Peppermint shrimp.

 

[Dtfnemo]

At one point my tank had more aptisea than water lol peppermint shrimps took care of it

 

[benjammin03]

It's rare to find someone looking to get out of the hobby with a pristine tank. Most complete setups have been neglected, so as long as all the equipment is in good shape (especially the tank), the rest can be corrected. I would not buy a complete setup with the intention of keeping whatever is in the tank. Your best bet is to completely drain it, clean it, and start fresh.